Breast Calcification

Calcification is a common process where small spots of calcium spots deposit themselves in breast tissue. These deposits can be the result of aging or other breast conditions such as fibroadenoma or cysts. Inflammation or foreign bodies such as implants or stitches can also lead to calcification.

Injury or breast surgery can lead to microcalcification. Surgery such as silicone implants or removal of tissues are other probable causes. If you have undergone radiation treatment in the chest area, you are at higher risk for developing breast calcifications. Calcium deposits within the milk ducts or within the breast arteries are other causes for developing breast calcifications. Any breast infection such as mastitis or dermatitis is yet another cause for calcification within the breast. Breast calcifications are not caused due to dietary calcium.

The best diagnostic tool to detect breast calcification is a high quality mammography done by a radiologist who is skilled in the proper positioning and compression of the breast. Such mammograms are best viewed on high-luminance viewers where extraneous glare and light is eliminated. The morphology is an important determinant in detecting malignancy of breast calcifications. A biopsy can confirm the readings. When instances of calcification are detected, mammograms are routinely taken to determine the stability of the calcifications. Suspicious mammogram must be followed by core needle biopsy, as it is minimally traumatic and relatively less expensive than surgical biopsy.

Screening Mammogram

Mammography involves use of solid-state detectors that aid in detecting early breast cancer in women. These detectors work much like those that are found in digital cameras. The images produced can be stored on a computer. It is essential that women going in for a mammogram do not wear lotions or deodorants on their breasts or underarms. The breast is placed on a special platform and compressed with a paddle so that the tissue is spread out. This aids in examining every bit of breast tissue sans overlapping. There might be slight discomfort when the breast is pressed by the mammogram compression device. Screening mammograms aids in detecting small abnormal tissue growths. A screening mammogram helps in identifying cysts, calcifications and tumors within the breast. Interpretation of the mammogram results can be difficult as there can be inaccurate readings due to breast implants, powder or salve on the breasts. If there are any regions that need special mammogram views, an x-ray marker is taped on the area. In some cases, a diagnostic mammogram is prescribed.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for blood clotting and bone metabolism. The vitamin exists in two forms: vitamin K1, known as phylloquinone and vitamin K2, menaquinone. Vitamin K1 is found primarily in leafy green vegetables, while vitamin K2 , which is synthesized by bacteria in the intestines and found in animal products and fermented foods.

The main function of vitamin K is to activate clotting factors in the blood, which help to stop bleeding when there is injury or damage to blood vessels. Without vitamin K, the body would be unable to form blood clots, which could lead to uncontrolled bleeding and hemorrhage. In addition to its role in blood clotting, vitamin K is also important for bone health. It helps to activate a protein called osteocalcin, which is involved in bone mineralization and the formation of new bone tissue which can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

In addition, vitamin K may play a role in cardiovascular health by helping to prevent the calcification of arteries and reducing the risk of heart disease. Deficiency of vitamin K is rare, but can occur in people with liver disease, malabsorption disorders, or who are taking certain medications. Symptoms of deficiency can include easy bruising, excessive bleeding, and bleeding gums.

Vitamin K helps the blood to clot to enable cuts and scrapes to stop bleeding. Persons suffering from liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease or cystic fibrosis are at risk of Vitamin K deficiency. Symptoms of Vitamin K insufficiency include heavy bleeding, anemia, bleeding gums and even osteoporosis. Low levels of Vitamin K do not allow sufficient use of calcium in bones. This vitamin is naturally found in green leafy vegetables, broccoli, and soya beans. Food sources of vitamin K include leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and broccoli, as well as other green vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts and asparagus. Vitamin K2 can be found in animal products, such as eggs, meat, and cheese, as well as fermented foods, such as natto and sauerkraut.